Best time to visit Fort Myers & Sanibel

Best time to visit Fort Myers & Sanibel

temperature & rainfall

It’s not the sunshine that dictates the best time to visit Fort Myers and Sanibel, rather the rain. It's known for year-round balminess, but can throw up terrific storms and hurricanes from Jun-Sep. Dec-April is peak time: prices do swell, but temps linger comfortably in the mid-high 20s creating idyllic beach conditions. Oct-Nov are favourable too; the air is warm, but the water cooler, as are the evenings. Mar-May are hot and dry, but carry a chance of rowdy spring breakers.

When not to visit Fort Myers & Sanibel

What to avoid, & when

July and August carry the greatest chance of rain and hurricanes, but prices dip significantly, and the rain doesn’t seem to deter families looking to make the most of reduced costs in the already expensive summer holidays. When it’s not raining, it’s pretty hot and humid though, so figure out whether budget or comfort is more important to you.

The shoulder season lasts from September to November and sees the families clear out, so there’s less kids about, but the nights get chilly and the water temperature drops noticeably, so it’s not ideal if you’re looking to make the most of the region’s watersports.

June is hands down the rainiest month on Sanibel Island every year, so unless your idea of a holiday is one huddled under an umbrella, this is not the best time to visit Fort Myers and Sanibel.

March is prime time for drunk and amorous spring breakers to flock to Florida’s beaches. They’re only having fun and the chances are they’ll do it respectfully, but there’s always a risk that your peace and tranquility could be disrupted.

May to September is turtle nesting season on Sanibel and Captiva Island. It might be hot and it might rain too, but that’s worth it for the heart-string-tugging demonstration of cute that is watching baby sea turtles find their way to the water.

Hello.If you'd like to chat about Fort Myers or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.Rosy & team

Responsible Travel recommends

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IN fort myers & sanibel

Lee Rose, communications manager at The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, shares his opinion on the best time to visit Fort Myers and Sanibel: “If you’re looking for that perfect golden tan, Florida sunshine greets travellers to The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel all year round. Temperatures climb from March to May between 26°C and 29°C. However, breezes from the Gulf of Mexico tend to mitigate the heat at this time. From September to November, temperatures drop from 32°C to 26°C, whereas in winter, the temperature tends to hover in the pleasant range of 24°C.”

Festivals & events

OUR MUSICAL PICK FROM THE fort myers & sanibel CALENDAR

Did you know about...?

Sanibel Music Festival
Part of a ‘Save Music for March’ season on Sanibel Island, the Sanibel Music Festival happens annually throughout March as part of an initiative to make classical music of the highest standard accessible to everyone and to launch the careers of emerging artists through a series of piano, chamber music, recital and vocal ensemble performances. Tickets start at just £30.